[09-02-2024] San Joaquin County, CA – Passenger Critically Injured After Fiery Hit-And-Run Crash in Ripon

A passenger was critically injured after a fiery hit-and-run crash in Ripon on Monday night, September 2, 2024.

According to the Ripon Police Department, the incident began around 9:00 p.m. when officers responded to reports of a Tesla being driven erratically at the Love’s truck stop in Ripon. The vehicle had also been parked in several handicap spots.

Upon arrival, an officer made contact with the passenger while the driver was inside the store. The driver later returned to the Tesla and sped away.

Police temporarily lost sight of the vehicle but soon received reports of a crash near Jacktone Road and Santos Avenue. It is believed that the Tesla ran through an intersection before colliding with other vehicles.

The Tesla quickly caught fire with the passenger still inside. Officers managed to pull the passenger out just seconds before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.

One officer sustained second-degree burns to his hands during the rescue, while the passenger is currently in critical condition.

The driver fled the scene but was arrested later that night. Felony hit-and-run charges are pending.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

There is no additional information immediately available.